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Operation New Birmingham president Michael Calvert and WBHM's Tanya Ott continue their conversation with details on efforts to expand downtown residential development and attract a supermarket. ~ Tanya Ott, May 28, 2009. |


Birmingham--This week, Governor Bob Riley signed legislation that makes more types of businesses eligible for state financial help if they locate here. In the past, Alabama's economic incentive laws only covered manufacturing jobs. The new bill expands that to corporate headquarters, research and development centers, and alternative energy companies. Michael Calvert is president of Operation New Birmingham, which promotes economic development in the city center. He tells WBHM's Tanya Ott the new law opens up the field of potential prospects.